“The show doesn’t go on because it’s ready. It goes on because it’s 11:30.” – Lorne Michaels, the television writer and producer behind Saturday Night Live
That legendary quote opens Saturday Night, a film that captures the frenzied ninety minutes before the debut episode on October 11, 1975. It’s a tangled, urgent look at the making of the live sketch comedy show with improvised sets, network pressure, and young comedians before they became stars.
I enjoyed the film. Not because I’m a cult fan of SNL, but because I’m fascinated by Lorne’s ruthless focus on his deadline. There are few deadlines as uncompromising as a live national broadcast, ready or not.
Equally fascinating was how every actor and stagehand delivered just in time to pull off the premiere. Not because they were ready, but because it was 11:30.
To date, Saturday Night Live has received 84 Primetime Emmy Awards. It has influenced the American culture for more than fifty years.
I talk a lot about delivering a quality message to impact readers through books. But like SNL, ruthless focus on a deadline is sometimes necessary for your goals. Especially when publishing a book. Of the 97% of people who begin a book, statistics say only 30 of every 1,000 will finish it. And only 6 of those 30 will actually get it published.
A hard deadline in publishing ensures you’ll get published. Deadlines help you prioritize, avoid perfectionism, and keep your promise.
I don’t know an organization that embraces deadlines as effectively as Convergint. When the global systems integrator wanted to publish a 20th anniversary book in 2021, I cautioned that it would require the tightest publishing deadline we’d ever set. But publish it in time they did, with the collaboration of their rockstar marketing department.
So I was only mildly surprised when Convergint wanted another book this year with an even tighter deadline – and with a title that made me smile. I knew if anyone could pull it off, Convergint could. And they did!
How can you harness the same ruthless focus for your book? Here are five tips to stop stalling and get published this year.
1. Set a public deadline.
There’s nothing as motivating as an event you can’t miss. Convergint aimed to unveil its book at its Unite conference in Las Vegas.
A book event spurs you to completion, stirs your book marketing, and provides emotional closure. Schedule a conference for your business book, a reunion for your family history book, or a launch party for your memoir. Many authors aim for holidays as prime gift-giving deadlines – just know that printers become slammed and slow in popular seasons, tightening your timeline even more.
Some authors post their book progress on social media for public accountability. Mike Kowis, the author of 14 Steps to Self-Publishing a Book, said, “I kicked off my first book project with a public announcement on Facebook that gave me one year to write and publish it. I’ll admit the one-year time frame that I set for this goal was completely arbitrary. But I needed the pressure of a deadline to motivate me to stay on track and finish.” You can find out here how Mike fared with his project deadline.
Convergint’s Unite conference
2. Stick to your timeline.
When you set a hard deadline, your publishing team can work backwards and establish a timeline with specific milestones to make it happen. A timeline coordinates all the steps and people at the right pace. Convergint’s tight timeline required fast turnarounds from the editor, book designer, proofreader, printer, and client.
A timeline helps you defy Parkinson’s law, which says work expands to fill the time available for its completion. Instead, you’ll employ the Pareto Principle, which says 80% of results often come from 20% of efforts. A short deadline forces greater focus on the mission-critical tasks that matter most. You’ll avoid scope creep and revision fatigue, knowing you can save new ideas for your next book.
Jennifer Rizzo, a ghostwriter and editor at The Writers for Hire, said: “Finishing your book comes down to sticking to a plan, trusting your vision, and staying focused on what matters. Start with a solid outline to organize your ideas, set a deadline, and stay consistent. Don’t let yourself get stuck trying to please everyone or chasing perfection—so many people never cross the finish line because of that. Keep it simple, stay focused, and always keep your eye on the end-goal.”
Convergint worked so efficiently that one of its teams squeezed in the development of a workbook in time for the conference.
3. Identify and address obstacles.
Authors cite several obstacles that thwart their book goals. The most common problems include lack of direction, trouble balancing time and responsibilities, ineffective marketing, fear of rejection, and writer’s block.
Wintress Odom, founder and editor-in-chief of The Writers for Hire, said, “There is a definite block that can happen at the end. Sometimes the final editing just feels overwhelming. If that’s the case, I suggest you don’t try to squeeze it in between a busy life and other tasks. You’ll just end up getting frustrated and feeling defeated. You worked hard to get it this far. Take a three- or four-day weekend. Sit down with your book, without distractions, and really give yourself the freedom to dig in.”
Wintress added: “Another common stumbling stone seems to be a fear that someone else will actually read your book. Is it good enough? What will people think? Do I even know what I’m talking about? Always remember, it’s easier to criticize than to create. 80% of people say they want to write a book at some point in their lives, and yet less than 1% of people actually do. Give yourself some credit. You did the hard part already.”
4. Get help.
Equip yourself with tools and resources to help if you get stuck along the way. Consider hiring publishing pros, asking questions in online publishing groups, or joining an authors’ association.
Karen Aroian, writing coach and editor at Aroian Editorial, said, “Before you begin a first draft, spend the time you need to build a solid foundation: brainstorm ideas, keep educating yourself about the publishing process, complete a book map of the structure and chapter summaries, choose a writing space that yields focus, take nurturing breaks and, most importantly, believe in yourself.”
“If you’re in the middle of a writing journey and sense that something is not right, enlist a trusted writing coach or editor to help you identify and close the gaps,” Karen added. “Some successful authors spend more time revising than drafting their manuscripts, whether to repair a structural element or to insert a literary element that heightens some aspect of the story. These navigational tools and supportive resources are similar to your GPS that helps you know where you’re headed, even if you face a few unexpected jams.”
5. Stay focused on your reader.
It seems paradoxical, but it’s true: Your book is not really about you. It’s about your readers. When you focus on the need that your book meets, you can get out of your own way and keep moving forward.
Annette Roy Davis, an editor and book coach at Bluebonnet Editing and Coaching, says: “Remember it’s not about you. Your book is a message to leave a legacy or help your reader solve a problem they have. Never lose sight of what your reader needs.”
Micah Carlson, Convergint’s director of marketing, says his company’s culture of service is ultimately what enables Convergint to meet tight deadlines: “Our winning formula is a culture of accountability and service along with colleagues who care. Our company’s mission is to be our customers’ best service provider, and that applies just as much to our internal teams as it does to those we serve externally. The marketing team, in particular, is very passionate about delivering great experiences for our customers, colleagues, and communities.”
Congratulations on another remarkable project, Convergint!
Final thoughts
You don’t have to rush to publish your book this year. Some authors enjoy setting a slower pace that fits with their season of life. They may take one, two, or three years to cross the finish line.
But beware the pitfalls that come with waiting too long. I’ve seen several well-intentioned authors start strong and never finish. They allowed temporary obstacles to become permanent blocks.
If you’re serious about your book, consider these five strategies to stay committed to your goal. Before you know it, you’ll be a published author!